Page 12 of Fire Must Burn

He listened outside for a moment.

‘The commotion seems to have died down,’ he said. ‘I’ll walk you back to Newnham. If we come across any straggling bulldogs, we’re out on a date and quite shocked to learn that such pinko goings-on have been going on.’

‘A plausible cover story,’ she said. ‘Thank you.’

He unlocked the door, listened again, then stepped outside, motioning for her to join him once he saw that the area was deserted. He closed the door behind her, locking it quietly, then offered her his arm. She took it.

The alley was illuminated only by the lights coming from the windows of the flats overlooking it. They walked quietly to St Edward’s Passage and turned to the right. The only signs of the evening’s mayhem were the odd discarded placard or burned-out torch.

‘What did you think of the rally?’ he asked as they strolled towards the Cam.

‘It was a decent turnout for a Thursday,’ she replied. ‘I found that encouraging.’

‘And the speeches?’

‘I thought Cornforth was particularly good. Forceful, succinct, no self-glorification, unlike Cornford. As for Dobb, I would be very much interested in attending one of his classes, but I felt like I was attending one of his classes.’

‘It wasn’t the most rhetorically inspiring speech,’ Danforth said with a laugh. ‘But you should definitely sign up for him next term if you have any interest in economic history. I recommend that we take the Mathematical Bridge. It’s less likely to be bulldogged at the moment.’

‘I will be guided by you, Mr Danforth.’

‘Please call me Tony, Iris.’

‘I will,’ she said. ‘But call me Sparks. Everyone does.’

‘Sparks, it shall be.’

They passed over the bridge, a construction of wooden beams and trusses that took them over the narrowed Cam. To their left were staff cottages, so they went straight through the Fellows’ Garden and skirted the tennis courts on the other side. From there they cut across to Sidgwick Avenue, whichbrought them a few minutes later to the bronze gates of Newnham College.

Which were closed and locked.

‘It’s after ten,’ muttered Sparks. ‘Blast.’

‘Will you get in trouble?’ asked Tony.

‘Only if I get caught,’ said Sparks. ‘Come with me.’

She led him along the walls to a section of wrought-iron fence, beyond which was Clough Hall, its white trim gleaming in the half-moonlight, lights still on in most of the rooms.

‘Give us a leg up, would you?’ she asked.

‘I’m in an experimental phase myself, you should know,’ he said as he interlocked his fingers and held his hands by the fence.

‘Interesting,’ she said as she placed her right foot on the step he had made for her.

‘Worthy of a follow-up?’ he asked as he boosted her up. ‘I realise I’m going about this backwards under your scheme, but could I take you to lunch Saturday? Maybe to the cinema after, although I’m hoping that the quality of the conversation will make that unnecessary.’

She hauled herself over the top, dangled by one hand for a moment, then dropped softly to the grass on the other side. She turned to face him through the bars.

‘Do not discount the cinema,’ said Sparks. ‘It is an essential part of character. I will be judging you on which film you choose.’

‘Extra pressure, good,’ he said. ‘I shall meet you here – well, not here, exactly, but in proper form at the front gate at eleven thirty.’

‘Agreed,’ she said.

She stuck two fingers through the fence, and he held them for a moment.

‘Goodnight, Sparks,’ he said.